SPOT THE SIGNS
When a child or young person is being exploited it can be difficult for them to see what is happening or know how to tell someone. It is important therefore that as parents and carers we are able to spot the warning signs and know how to best offer support.
MISSING FROM HOME
This might be returning home late, staying out over night or missing school. They might be defensive about where they have been, who they have been with and what they have been doing.
PHONE
Receiving excessive or strange messages or phone calls from people you and/or they don’t know. Having adults as friends on social networking sites.
ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs on a regular basis. Particularly alcohol that is normally associated with adult drinking.
GIFTS
CARS
Coming home with new expensive items that they couldn’t normally afford like phone, jewellery, new trainers or computer games. Or talking about people who give them free food or cigarettes.
Getting picked up or dropped by unknown people, or talking about going to new places.
ADULT FRIENDS
Associating with or developing close relationships with people over 18. They may give them lifts or invite them into adult activity like drinking, parties or even offer them the chance of a job.
SUDDEN CHANGE
MOODS
Changes in mood, maybe acting secretive, withdrawn or aggressive.
INJURIES
Having marks on their bodies which they try to conceal.
In friendship groups, music taste, clothes, behaviour, school attendance.
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